Essentially, we use it as a two-factor authentication for our users when they are trying to log into the corporate network or another dev network that we have.
Network Engineer at a aerospace/defense firm with 201-500 employees
The single-pane-of-glass management is a time and resource saver
Pros and Cons
- "It provides single-pane-of-glass management, which is pretty easy and straightforward. Because we manage multiple access tiers, it allows us to essentially manage everything from one viewpoint and not have many viewpoints for the same product. This is important because it is a time and resource saver. It also saves us money."
- "For the back-end, there could be a few more security features applied."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Overall, it provides functionality and security with the two-factor authentication. We can ensure whomever is logging in isn't someone else who might be sharing a username or password.
It is a good source of security as far as ensuring that there are no rogue agents attempting to access the network. Duo has enabled us to mitigate rogue access requests to our network.
With everything that went on over the past three years, we can authenticate through the VPN, or anywhere that you are at, giving our workers the ability to work hybridly and tackle day-to-day jobs without having to come into the office.
Our workers know what they are doing is secure. They don't have to worry about buying other equipment and we don't have to worry about supplying other equipment. We can just use Duo to facilitate, making it easier to do their day-to-day jobs.
What is most valuable?
The ability to work online and offline with two-factor authentication is the best feature. Usually, with products, you have two different tokens. For this product, there is just one.
It is a good product to assess the access. Overall, it has a timely response as far as when you need to click. It is very interactive. It is not like you have three seconds, then it is gone. It gives you the time to do it.
It provides single-pane-of-glass management, which is pretty easy and straightforward. Because we manage multiple access tiers, it allows us to essentially manage everything from one viewpoint and not have many viewpoints for the same product. This is important because it is a time and resource saver. It also saves us money.
The single-pane-of-glass management user experience is pretty good. It is one of the best ones that I have worked with so far.
What needs improvement?
The biggest challenge is integrating it into all our end user utilities. We use it for other networks, not just our personal network. So, the challenge is just integrating it across the board.
There is not much improvement as far as the front-facing part of it. For the back-end, there could be a few more security features applied. Obviously, as they grow, it will get better.
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For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for about seven months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability works well with what we have, and we have a big Cisco infrastructure. It is pretty seamless for us.
Maintaining network connectivity with Duo is pretty easy. The timeout isn't too bad. It obviously depends on your security thresholds, but it is pretty easy.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is pretty scalable. We have run it through its paces.
How are customer service and support?
I haven't had to work with their technical support division. I am guessing it is good since I haven't had to deal too much with them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
This is the first time that I have worked in a VPN environment.
What other advice do I have?
I would give it about a nine out of 10 because nothing is perfect.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Co-Owner at Turner & de Vries
I put in my credentials and hit go, then I get an alert on my Apple watch to approve
Pros and Cons
- "Duo offers dual-factor authentication for our logins. I put in my credentials and hit go. Then I get an alert on my Apple watch, and I approve it. That part is just phenomenal."
- "Duo has some issues that we're trying to work through. For example, if I install it on a WordPress site and another admin needs to log in, they can't because Duo hasn't been set up for them. It doesn't appear that I can add permissions on a user-by-user basis. It's not obvious."
What is our primary use case?
Our web developers use Duo Security as a WordPress plugin to provide security for our websites.
What is most valuable?
Duo offers dual-factor authentication for our logins. I put in my credentials and hit go. Then I get an alert on my Apple watch, and I approve it. That part is just phenomenal.
What needs improvement?
Duo has some issues that we're trying to work through. For example, if I install it on a WordPress site and another admin needs to log in, they can't because Duo hasn't been set up for them. It doesn't appear that I can add permissions on a user-by-user basis. It's not obvious.
I would also like to see password-free login. There used to be a password-free product where you used your phone and looked at the screen. I can't remember what it's called now, but it was great. It used blue wavy lines that constantly changed, so nobody could ever screen capture and use them to log in. That was by far the best solution.
Duo bought them out and did away with them. They probably saw it as a threat because it was a better solution. And a couple of companies have tried to mimic that, but they have never come close. If Duo were to go back to something like that, I would be ecstatic. Passwords are supposed to be a thing of the past.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used Duo Security for about two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Duo Security is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I don't know how Duo would scale. If I've got a hundred websites and I install it on several of them, scalability just means adding it to a new website. It would be as easy as adding it to the first.
That's not an issue, but I still haven't figured out how to add new users to a site that already has it installed. I checked their online documentation and haven't found an answer yet, so we temporarily took it off on that particular site.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We tried several authentication solutions before, but I liked the way Duo works better.
How was the initial setup?
I rate Duo Security eight out of 10 for ease of deployment. It takes a minute or two to download and install the plugin.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Duo Security is free.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Duo Security nine out of 10. Duo is a solid solution, but it still has some minor issues with adding users.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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November 2024
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CTO at Trust-IT Solutions
Authenticates our domain and users, making the process more secure
What is our primary use case?
We're using Cisco Duo to authenticate our domain and users.
How has it helped my organization?
We use Cisco the most. It helps us with authentication, making the process more secure. Duo facilitates authentication whenever we try to log in to a machine, making the initial process quick and easy. We no longer need to type in numbers, which is very convenient.
What is most valuable?
Cisco is a very simple solution. It has integration with BroadSoft.
What needs improvement?
There is one issue. We use our SMS messaging tool, but with Cisco Duo, you must use their service. They should allow integration with other SMS providers via API.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Duo for six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. I rate it as ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution's scalability is good. 1000 users, including admins and developers, are using this solution.
I rate the solution's scalability a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco's technical support is a bit cumbersome.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use Google Authenticator and Okta. First, integration with BroadSoft was very important to us. Second, the initial deployment of the product was very straightforward and simple. After running a POC, we realized the product would be easy to maintain.
How was the initial setup?
Deployment is pretty simple. It can sometimes be a bit cumbersome, but it works well once you get it set up. It takes a few days and one person to complete.
Overall, it’s a straightforward and effective solution. I rate it as eight out of ten, whereas ten is the easiest.
What about the implementation team?
We need to configure it. But then the initial setup is very short and simple.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is expensive. I rate it as eight out of ten, whereas ten is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco Duo integrates with Microsoft Active Directory for login using an on-premise deployment. It also connects to cloud services, including CrowdStrike, making it a hybrid tool.
We're using Cisco Duo to enhance our security. Before implementing it, deploying advanced security solutions like MFA for every login was challenging. Each time I logged into Cisco, I had to enter new numbers, which was time-consuming and cumbersome. Now, with Cisco Duo, the login process has become much simpler. You click to log in. While it may not directly save us money, it saves time and contributes to our overall security posture.
I recommend the solution since everyone wants this type of solution to be very simple, just to work, easy to deploy, very simple, usable, and Cisco Duo checks all those boxes.
Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jun 16, 2024
Flag as inappropriateHas efficient authentication features and supports remote access security
Pros and Cons
- "It has continuously evolved by introducing new solutions and products to address emerging security threats in our industry, demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of evolving security challenges."
- "The product price needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use case for Cisco Duo revolves around multifactor authentication, which serves as a secondary layer of security for all users within our organization.
What is most valuable?
The authentication and single sign-on features of Cisco Duo have been particularly valuable for enhancing user identity verification and providing an additional layer of security for our organization.
What needs improvement?
The product price needs improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Duo for approximately six to seven years. I am using the latest version available.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the platform stability a nine.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We can scale Cisco Duo up or down to accommodate our company's requirements. Around 120 executives in our team utilize it. I rate the scalability an eight.
What was our ROI?
While implementing Cisco Duo may require additional time for secondary multifactor authentication, it has significantly enhanced our organization's security posture, providing valuable returns in terms of heightened security measures.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the product pricing a seven out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
The platform plays a crucial role in supporting our organization's remote access security needs by serving as the secondary email security for our VPN, thereby enabling secure remote access for our employees.
It has continuously evolved by introducing new solutions and products to address emerging security threats in our industry, demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of evolving security challenges.
If the pricing aligns with their budget, I recommend considering Cisco Duo for its robust security features and scalability. It is highly adaptable and scalable, making it suitable for organizations of various sizes within the industry. Thus, there are no significant considerations to be made regarding infrastructure compatibility.
I rate it an eight out of ten overall.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jun 6, 2024
Flag as inappropriateSecurity Specialist at zeezsecops.com.ng
Effectively safeguards against unauthorized access attempts or server breaches
Pros and Cons
- "They are users who, as mentioned before, utilize RDPAP and MDPAP. It includes functionalities related to finance, specifically in single sign-on."
- "I believe there are two new features. I am interested in adding auto-admin services and incorporating icons for easier navigation. This could contribute to a new business idea platform. I have seen the features, and they make things easier, resolving issues from before. The platform has been updated, and there's now another link in my platform for media access. When it comes to improvements, the UI can be more user-friendly, and there is room for easier navigation. Perhaps there could be enhancements in customization. I haven't faced issues in storage or backup, but I am open to improvements in customization functionality. It's not my environment, but I see possibilities for improvement in the deployment of funds. The addition of new features is appreciated, and for customization, it could provide more freedom for users."
What is our primary use case?
On my end, Cisco Duo suits my account needs well. The application remains in place. We generally apply Cisco Duo across various use cases. Many customers, including banks and private organizations, use it for enhanced security, particularly in financial and general security tasks.
What needs improvement?
I am interested in adding auto-admin services and incorporating icons for easier navigation. This could contribute to a new business idea platform. I have seen the features, and they make things easier, resolving issues from before. The platform has been updated, and there's now another link in my platform for media access.
When it comes to improvements, the UI can be more user-friendly, and there is room for easier navigation.
There could be enhancements in customization. I haven't had issues with storage or backup, but I am open to improvements in customization functionality. It's not my environment, but I see possibilities for improvement in the deployment of funds.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Duo for the past year. Customers request server protection using various servers, and it can integrate with applications. It is an MFA solution, designed for server access and data security.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Typically, I manage things directly from the GUI, and I handle whatever comes up. So far, stability has been an issue, but I am not the creator of the solution, so I cannot predict future occurrences.
Generally, it has been fine without any notable issues, but the future is uncertain. I would rate it 8 out of 10.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable and I would rate it 8 out of 10. Regarding the size of your customers, they are mostly large enterprises.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't encountered any significant issues so far. The only time we need to contact support is when something arises, and they promptly address it. Everything else has been running smoothly.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
I would rate it seven because it comes with numerous features that require continuous upgrades. I have observed the need for consistent updates in the inventory. It is beneficial for newcomers to the platform, as data is continuously added, and automation has reduced the effort required to find information. It roughly takes 12 hours to be deployed.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I am not aware of the pricing. There are two departments, and I don't have any information about them.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco Duo effectively safeguards against customer factors, such as unauthorized access attempts or server breaches. It provides a high level of protection, ensuring only authorized individuals have access to the environment. I am confident in its security features.
I would rate it 8 out of 10.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Lead Support Tech at a non-profit with 51-200 employees
An easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy product that enhances security and gives insight into policy violations
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is easy to use."
- "The product could be more intuitive on the app."
What is our primary use case?
We use Duo Security for 2FA during logins.
What is most valuable?
We needed 2FA for compliance. We already used Cisco across the board, so it made sense to use the product. We benefit from using the solution. We were unaware that some users were sharing logins and doing some things that went against policies. Once we had Duo Security in place, we realized that codes were not going where they needed to, and we could sort that out. The solution is easy to use.
What needs improvement?
We have some users that don't prefer to use the app. The product could be more intuitive on the app. We have users that are a little dated in their technology adoption. Telling some of our non-intuitive users to use the app was a little struggle.
For how long have I used the solution?
We implemented the solution about a year ago.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We haven't had any issues with the solution’s stability at all. We've had no issues with it not being compatible anywhere.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We're a pretty small shop. We have less than 100 employees, so scalability is not a huge concern because there's not a lot of growth right now. However, bundling and provisioning the tool with any device is pretty easy.
How are customer service and support?
Support is good. We've had a couple of issues with the tool, and anytime we needed anything answered, we've got it resolved. Everything's been quick and reasonable. We generally expect to get answers the same day we have the problem, although it is not possible.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
To my knowledge, we didn't have any issues in the rollout. We tried to phase it out over the course of a few weeks. Once we got a few of them tested, we went to the next phase. Then, we decided to go 100% with it because we saw no problems doing a stack of implementation. It was pretty good.
What was our ROI?
My organization sees an ROI on the product. If there's any attempt at a breach, then we're confident that it will be stopped.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is deployed on the cloud. We're pretty sure it's on our end with the telephone system. We have set up automated phone calls to the desk phones, and sometimes they don't go through or are delayed. However, we've been looking through it and are pretty sure it’s on our telephone system.
I rate the product a seven out of ten in securing our infrastructure from end to end. It's pretty straightforward for people that have done 2FA before, but we have a lot of users that haven't. We have to do a little convincing to get them to do the additional step.
We have saved time by using the tool so that we can dedicate our time to other valuable projects. The tool’s Self-Service Portal helped us with uptime. The solution is good at establishing trust for every access request, no matter where it comes from.
We have policies for our machines and for our phones. The solution really opened our eyes to what people needed to do on their phones and what they were actually bringing to the building.
Duo Security absolutely helped our organization improve its cybersecurity resilience. Our employee and guest network are separated. However, people were bringing their personal devices and doing work-related things on them that we weren't aware of. The solution allowed us to see a little bit more of what was going on at the user level.
Duo Security was the first implementation in our organization. We did not use similar solutions before. Choosing the solution was a pretty quick process. Duo Security was the first one that we demoed. We didn't have any issues, so we went right with it. We chose it because of its ease of use and implementation. We were able to roll it out fairly quickly, so there was no reason to look elsewhere.
We had some partner companies and sister companies that were starting to have breaches. They told us that if we had 2FA, it wouldn't have been a problem.
Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT System Administrator at Mega eG
Everything is clear in one dashboard but the licensing is complicated
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco Secure solutions are great for detecting and remediating threats across our infrastructure from end to end. The integration of Talos in SecureX is great. Everything is clear in one dashboard. You have a dashboard there, your dashboard, and now you can have one look in your dashboard and see everything. It's on one pane of glass."
- "Smart Licensing needs improvement. It's terrible. We have problems with it every year and we need to involve support to fix it."
What is our primary use case?
We use Duo, Client, and Umbrella.
Our primary use case for this is for our clients to be secure.
How has it helped my organization?
We are at the beginning of using Umbrella. We use a traditional Cisco proxy. Now, with Umbrella, it's easy to administrate. It helps save us time.
What is most valuable?
Everything is all in one dashboard, so it makes the administration very easy.
Cisco Secure solutions are great for detecting and remediating threats across our infrastructure from end to end. The integration of Talos in SecureX is great. Everything is clear in one dashboard. You have your dashboard and can have one look in your dashboard and see everything. It's on one pane of glass.
What needs improvement?
Smart Licensing needs improvement. It's terrible. We have problems with it every year and we need to involve support to fix it.
Our appliances are connected to Cisco Smart Center but they don't get the license. That's our pain point. But then when they work, they work.
I liked the traditional licensing. We get the license key, pass it, and it works.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Umbrella for one month and we just started using Duo. We have been using classic Cisco for seven years.
How are customer service and support?
The support is fast and good.
The first level of support asks a lot of questions. We have a partner who does it for us. If we have a problem, we send it to them and they contact Cisco.
For the first level of support, they always say it's the firewall or the network and we need to prove that it isn't. It's too much back and forth. It's a lot of emails. Maybe it's faster when it's on a call.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
Cisco Duo was really easy to implement.
Umbrella was a little bit difficult because of the documentation. Not everything was documented. We got help from Cisco and the internet.
We used a Cisco consultant for the implementation. They were great. They know nearly everything. For Cisco deployment, they need to know our network, how it works, and so it's not so easy for them, but they did great. When I have questions, I get answers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco isn't cheap but it's good.
Cisco DNA Center is great, but it's too big for our environment, we don't need it in our company. Before we had classic Cisco infrastructure, now, we are switching to Meraki because it's cheaper and it's not big like DNA Center. DNA Center is great, but it's too big. You need a lot of IT to get it to work.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We also evaluated Unify. Cisco is the leader and we started with Cisco. It's good, so we stay with it.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate it a seven out of ten. It's not like Cisco Duo. Not everything is on one application. It should be easier to get everything in one application, where you can see everything. I would like to see one pane of glass so that we can plug everything into one application in order to see the performance.
The support should also be improved.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Sr. Network Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Fast support, good scalability, and helpful for two-factor authentication
Pros and Cons
- "The two-factor authentication is valuable because that is the use case for which we are using it."
- "We first deployed Duo Security for our company with the VPN, and afterward, about a year later, we implemented it for a customer of ours where we offered infrastructure as a service. When I tried to establish a VPN connection through Duo Security, it did not function well on that version, which was the latest one at the time. So, I had to make a copy of the machine and then implement Duo Security with the VPN because it did not function well with the newer version."
What is our primary use case?
We mostly use it for our AnyConnect VPNs and two-factor authentication.
How has it helped my organization?
We use Firepower Defense as a firewall, and we have implemented the IPS system on the firewall. Previously, we had ASA, and two-factor authentication was with the code, but now, it's with a push notification. It has somehow made it easier for non-IT employees to easily connect to the VPN, but it, as such, hasn't saved any time. It didn't reduce any tasks.
It hasn't helped consolidate any tools or applications because we're not using any other security components that can be integrated with it.
What is most valuable?
The two-factor authentication is valuable because that is the use case for which we are using it.
What needs improvement?
We first deployed Duo Security for our company with the VPN, and afterward, about a year later, we implemented it for a customer of ours where we offered infrastructure as a service. When I tried to establish a VPN connection through Duo Security, it did not function well on that version, which was the latest one at the time. So, I had to make a copy of the machine and then implement Duo Security with the VPN because it did not function well with the newer version. I didn't know why, but it did not function. I haven't tried to update it since then, but that could be an area of improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Duo Security for almost four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It has good scalability.
How are customer service and support?
They were helpful and fast 90% of the time. They have knowledgeable tech engineers. We didn't have many problems, but any problem that required a case to be opened was resolved quickly. I'd rate their support a nine out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We didn't use a similar solution previously. We went for this solution because of the consistency of Cisco products and the best cases that it provides. It fulfills our needs as a company.
How was the initial setup?
It was straightforward. I had some issues, but mostly, I followed the complete path from sandboxing to testing and then going live in production.
What about the implementation team?
We have two people, me and my colleague, but it's mostly me.
What was our ROI?
I am not involved in its pricing, but we haven't yet seen an ROI.
What other advice do I have?
I'd recommend using it. You can read about the product and implement your infrastructure.
I'd rate Duo Security a 10 out of 10.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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